Don't Get Run Over

Not much into crowds? Check into your favorite retailers first to see what their Black Friday hours will be. In years past, there were hoards of people on the roads at the crack of dawn to snatch the best deals. However, this year many popular retailers are opting to open at midnight or even earlier! Many stores are also utilizing “special sale” hours on Black Friday.

What does this mean for you? Well, some merchants like Wal-Mart are going to stagger the products they put on sale. You may have to pack the patience if the item you’re waiting for isn’t the first one on sale, but it may be worth it if you’re saving big.

Tip: Stay calm and be nice! There is no need to hurt yourself, or anyone else for that matter, over a coveted toy or TV. Trust me, they will be back on sale again — and sooner than you think in most cases. If you get overwhelmed in the crowd, it’s okay to take a time out. Decide if it’s really worth you being swept up in the madness: if it is, then buckle up tight and hold your ground. If it’s not, then just go home and try again later after the crowd dies down. Worst case scenario, you can always shop online!

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Final Thoughts

Black Friday comes around the same time every year, but you can make it worthwhile if you plan your shopping ahead of time. Knowing when and where the sales are will not only help you save money, but it can save you a headache as well. It’s not always possible to predict where snags in your plan will occur, but it can at least give you alternatives if something doesn’t go as planned. Shop smarter, not harder! Good luck and happy spending!